Government
Air pollution's damage to trees, crops detailed Ozone and acid rain, separately and combined, are contributing to the death of trees and the destruction of crops across a wide swath of the U.S., according to researchers at the Washington, D.C.-based policy research center, the World Resources Institute. Using research by private and government experts, the authors of "111 Winds: Airborne Pollution's Toll on Trees and Crops ,/ conclude: "Extensive mortality caused by ozone air pollution is occurring among ponderosa and Jeffrey pines in southern California. Growth reduction and visible damage are taking a toll among eastern white pines, also as a result of ozone pollution. And there is growing evidence that acid deposition and ozone are important contributors to the declines of several other tree species in the East, including the high-elevation red spruce in the Appalachian Mountains from Vermont to North Carolina, and Fraser fir in the Southeast." The authors also note that there is growing suspicion that air pollution is at least a factor in the decline of sugar maple and beech trees
Dead trees on North Carolina's Mo unt Mi tch ell 20 September 19, 1988 C&EN
in the mountains of Vermont. It also may explain the stunted growth of commercial yellow pines over much of the Southeast. In the past, air pollution usually affected only local areas. Because of increased use of tall stacks, today's pollution travels long distances to wreak havoc. Although this pollution can harm directly, as is most likely the case with ozone's effect on crops, it more likely sets the stage for injury. That is, air pollution weakens trees and makes them more susceptible to damage from natural stresses such as severe climatic changes, insects, and disease, the report explains. Agricultural losses in the Midwest, due to high ambient ozone levels, are estimated to be about $5 billion annually. Reducing ozone levels 50%, to 0.025 ppm, would result in productivity gains valued at $3 billion for just four crops—soybeans, corn, wheat, and peanuts. Additionally, lowering ozone pollution to meet national air quality standards would reap gains in improved health and visibility. To improve air quality by reducing the pollutants contributing to ozone and acid rain formation, authors James J. MacKenzie and Mohamed T. El-Ashry recommend "policies that emphasize improved energy efficiency and reduced pollution emissions, and a shift towards less polluting sources of energy." Such policies will not only enhance national security but also help ameliorate global warming. It is time, the authors say, for the nation to make the connection between air pollution, energy policy, and climate change. "From the President to Congress, our national leaders must recognize the immediacy of these interrelated problems and develop and implement cost-effective policies to protect valuable natural resources and sensitive ecosystems from permanent and irreversible damage." "Ill Winds" is available for $10 plus $2.00 for postage and handling from World Resources Institute Publications, P.O. Box 620, Holmes, Pa. 19043. Lois Ember
Federal Alert— new legislation This C&EN listing highlights legislation introduced between July 6, 1988, and Sept. 7, 1988. Senate and House bills are listed under subject areas by bill number, primary sponsor, and committee(s) to ivhich referred. SENATE Environment. S. 2693—Baucus (D.-Mont.). Designates polychlorinated biphenyls as hazardous waste subject to all requirements of Resource Conservation & Recovery Act; Environment & Public Works. S. 2666—Stafford (R.-Vt.). Calls for complete elimination of use of most potent "greenhouse gases" over next six years; mandates 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from mobile and stationary sources; Environment & Public Works. Science policy. S. 2614—Hollings (D.-S.C). Gives Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering & Technology responsibility for coordinating federal research effort on climate change; Commerce, Science & Transportation. Trade. S. 2651—Byrd (D.-W.Va.). Implements U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement; Judiciary, Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs, Energy & Natural Resources, Finance. HOUSE Business. H.R. 4997—Markey (D.-Mass.). Requires Securities & Exchange Commission to take prescribed measures to protect investors; Energy & Commerce. H.R. 5133—Markey (D.-Mass.). Imposes stringent control on, penalties for insider stock trading; Energy & Commerce. Environment. H.R. 5018—Conyers (D.Mich.). Bans all exports of solid wastes, incinerator ash, toxic wastes, except where bilateral treaties are now in place to govern practice; Energy & Commerce, Foreign Affairs. H.R. 5179—Eckart (D.-Ohio). Requires persons proposing to manufacture or process certain chemical substances to develop methods for destroying or neutralizing them before startup; Energy & Commerce. Research. H.R. 5000—Hochbrueckner (D.-N.Y.). Encourages scientific R&D on recycling technologies; Science, Space & Technology, Energy & Commerce, Armed Services, Agriculture. H.R. 5056—de la Garza (D.-Tex.). Provides for reauthorization of all of USDA's research program; Agriculture. Safety. H.R. 4991—Gradison (R.-Ohio). Clarifies U.S. responsibility for harm caused by its negligence at any workplace owned by, operated by, or under contract with federal government; Judiciary.
